Canavalia gladiata: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:20, 21 February 2025

Canavalia gladiata[edit]

Canavalia gladiata, commonly known as the sword bean, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Asia and Africa and is cultivated in various regions for its edible seeds and pods.

Description[edit]

Canavalia gladiata is a perennial climbing plant that can reach up to 10 meters in length. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being ovate to lanceolate in shape. The plant produces large, showy flowers that are typically pink or purplish in color.

The pods of Canavalia gladiata are long and sword-shaped, measuring up to 30 cm in length. They contain several large seeds that are edible when cooked.

Cultivation and Uses[edit]

Canavalia gladiata is cultivated primarily for its seeds and pods, which are consumed as food. The seeds are rich in protein and can be used in various culinary dishes. The young pods can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

In addition to its use as a food source, Canavalia gladiata is also grown as a cover crop and green manure. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it valuable for improving soil fertility.

Nutritional Value[edit]

The seeds of Canavalia gladiata are high in protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. They also contain essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to the diet.

Toxicity[edit]

While the seeds of Canavalia gladiata are edible, they contain certain compounds that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Proper cooking methods, such as boiling, are necessary to reduce these compounds and make the seeds safe for consumption.

Related pages[edit]

Template:Fabaceae

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-'''Canavalia gladiata''', commonly known as the [[sword bean]], is a type of [[legume]] native to tropical regions. It is a member of the [[Fabaceae]] family, which includes other well-known plants such as [[pea]]s, [[soybean]]s, and [[lentil]]s.
+==Canavalia gladiata==
-== Description ==
+[[File:Canavalia_gladiata2.jpg|thumb|right|Canavalia gladiata plant]]
-The ''Canavalia gladiata'' plant is a climbing perennial, typically growing to a height of 3-4 meters. It produces large, sword-shaped [[seed pod]]s, which give the plant its common name. The pods can reach up to 60 cm in length and contain large, red-brown [[seed]]s.
-== Cultivation ==
+'''Canavalia gladiata''', commonly known as the sword bean, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, [[Fabaceae]]. It is native to tropical Asia and Africa and is cultivated in various regions for its edible seeds and pods.
-''Canavalia gladiata'' is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a hardy plant, able to tolerate poor soil conditions and drought. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is often grown as a [[cover crop]] to improve soil fertility and prevent [[soil erosion]].
-== Uses ==
+==Description==
-The seeds of ''Canavalia gladiata'' are edible when cooked and are used in a variety of dishes in many cultures. They are high in [[protein]] and [[fiber]], and also contain significant amounts of [[vitamin]]s and [[mineral]]s. The young pods can also be eaten, typically boiled or steamed. In addition to its culinary uses, ''Canavalia gladiata'' is also used in traditional [[medicine]] in some cultures, and has been studied for its potential medicinal properties.
-== See also ==
+Canavalia gladiata is a perennial climbing plant that can reach up to 10 meters in length. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being ovate to lanceolate in shape. The plant produces large, showy flowers that are typically pink or purplish in color.
-* [[List of legume dishes]]
-* [[List of edible seeds]]
-== References ==
+The pods of Canavalia gladiata are long and sword-shaped, measuring up to 30 cm in length. They contain several large seeds that are edible when cooked.
-<references />
-[[Category:Legumes]]
+==Cultivation and Uses==
-[[Category:Edible plants]]
-[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
+[[File:Leiden_University_Library_-_Seikei_Zusetsu_vol._18,_page_042_-_鉈豆_-_Canavalia_gladiata_(Jacq.)_DC,_1804.jpg|thumb|left|Illustration of Canavalia gladiata]]
-{{plants-stub}}
-{{food-stub}}
+Canavalia gladiata is cultivated primarily for its seeds and pods, which are consumed as food. The seeds are rich in protein and can be used in various culinary dishes. The young pods can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
-{{medicine-stub}}
+In addition to its use as a food source, Canavalia gladiata is also grown as a cover crop and green manure. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it valuable for improving soil fertility.
+==Nutritional Value==
+The seeds of Canavalia gladiata are high in protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. They also contain essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to the diet.
+==Toxicity==
+While the seeds of Canavalia gladiata are edible, they contain certain compounds that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Proper cooking methods, such as boiling, are necessary to reduce these compounds and make the seeds safe for consumption.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Fabaceae]]
+* [[Legume]]
+* [[Nitrogen fixation]]
+{{Fabaceae}}
+[[Category:Fabaceae]]
+[[Category:Edible legumes]]
+[[Category:Cover crops]]